Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Walking

Miracle Beach, Vancouver Island

This week has been all about walking. Ever since the beginning of April I have set a weekly walking goal and am trying to beat the previous week by at least 1000 steps. So far so good. Last week was the most steps I have put on my fitbit since I got it a year ago. Once you get it in your mind you want to get more active the fit bit sure helps you keep track of it. I have a very basic flex model but when it dies will likely upgrade to one that also records heartbeat which is far more accurate than just recording steps. This past weekend we took a long walk at Miracle beach which is between Comox and Campbell River. We watched Kingfishers diving for small fish, a sight to see as normally the Kingfisher is difficult to spot at the best of times but to see them scooping up fish was fantastic. Unfortunately I didn't take my good camera so didn't get any pictures of that.

I briefly dipped below my second weight goal (wanted to get there before our trip) but haven't seen that low again so will keep at eating well and increasing activity. So far I have lost 5.2 lbs. I have also done a second purge of my closet and gotten rid of some large size clothing as I seem to mostly be shrinking back to a medium. I have no intention of upsizing again.
I am in the process of cleaning out the fridge and freezer as three weeks from today we leave on our two week trip to Greece - woohoo! We have a lot to accomplish before then but are pretty organized so it likely will all get done.

There have been recent discussions in our household about possibly spending part of the winters in Mexico, even as early as 2019. I doubt that it will happen that fast as although we can still run our business from Mexico (we do online web-conferencing) we would have to find a 2 month rental mid-winter that would allow a dog and have secured parking as we would be driving there with Buddy. I am currently open to the areas of Mazatlan (my favorite as I have been going there for 30 years) and Puerto Vallarta. We don't want to purchase property and we don't want to take an RV as that would not be conducive to continuing to run our business. Time will tell I guess but hubby is all of a sudden on board with it whereas when I have talked about it in the past he was reluctant to consider going for a long period of time. I think he has hit the point in his life where he wants to do more living and less saving :)

Right now I am thankful that we get to live in such a beautiful safe place like Vancouver Island. The weather has gotten a little better with less rain and I managed to get our tomatos planted on the weekend. My heart goes out to all those affected by the flooding across Canada including Contessa and Colin Jewall of the 5 C's Que Pasa blog as they are currently evacuated out of their home due to rising lake water. Fingers and toes crossed that the waters recede soon and they can get back home and start putting their life back together.

I am really looking forward to seeing Greece again and showing hubby it for the first time. I've never been to Naxos so that will be new for me but it was about 25 years ago when I last went so will be like a different country.

Miracle Beach really is beautiful. You live in such a fabulous place.Three weeks today?! Hasn't that rolled round quickly. You've done a great job with the healthy eating and fitness regime, well done.I love your plan of over-wintering in Mexico. That sounds very a do-able providing Orange Boy doesn't build his massive wall overnight! xxx

And I hear that living in Mexico is super cheap compared to CA and the States. I'd love to either live for half a year in the Orkneys or Sicily. I know...two very difference climates. lolz Maybe we could do Orkneys in Summer and Sicily in Winter. That would work for me!

Good for you with your goal of walking more and getting to your second weight goal. :-)

Can't believe that it is only three more weeks before you take off to Greece, how exciting!

Wintering in Mexico sounds like a great idea. Much warmer than Canada for sure. If you are able to try to find a rental just outside of either Mazatlan or Puerto Vallarta you would mostly get a better price and one that would take a dog, especially if you can get one from a Mexican.

I agree, especially as we will have a vehicle and not reliant 100% on local transportation. The only stipulation is must be within a mile of the beach :) We are both beach lovers and love walking on them - daily if possible.

I can't believe how long it's been since we visited! Life gets busy.....but I seriously need to catch up with you because you are one of my favorite people in Blogland! I'm so excited I got out from under my rock in time for your trip to Greece! You and your hubby are an amazing match! Celebrate life! You two do that well!

We rented from an American for three months last year for $900 US per month so that was expensive in Canadian dollars. However that was a good deal for San Miguel de Allende. Renting off mexicans is definately cheaper but usually not kitted out the same way for a holiday let.We would be into wintering again for several months in Mexico it was lovely.

Thank you for the shout out. Appreciate the concern. As to Mexico, I know for certain that you could get something on the Isla. I know of two places for certain but one is taken, you would have loved it. When my life settles down and you get back fro Greece we can talk.

I knew of a couple who rented a house in Guadalajara every year and loved it - was quite economical. Whether that falls in line with your tastes I don't know. Haven't ever been to Mexico but it does seem like the place to go compared to more pricey options. It'll be fun figuring it out!

I bought myself the cheapest fitbit I could find because I was only really interested in the step counter and the fact that it buzzed when my mobile rang (I could never hear the darn thing). I think it's going on the blink but I really think I'll get another one because like you said it is a great motivator isn't it. Love the idea of wintering in Mexico too - but that will have to wait a couple of years till I retire. Anna